Vacuum powered lifting mechanism

ABSTRACT

A vacuum powered system for moving a movable component, such as for raising and lowering a stowage container, includes a vacuum actuator connected between a fixed structure and a movable component. The vacuum actuator includes one or more intake ports that are configured to connect with a source of vacuum for moving the movable component in a first direction to a first position, and one or more bleed valve ports for venting the vacuum actuator to move the movable component in a second direction to a second position. The vacuum actuator may be an air bellows, a single acting linear vacuum actuator, or a dual acting linear vacuum actuator. A guiding system is further provided that includes elongated tracks in a stationary stowage container housing that houses the movable component, and corresponding guide elements on the movable component that slidably engage with the elongated tracks for moving the movable component.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Application No. 61/974,095,filed Apr. 2, 2014, incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to lift assist mechanisms, andmore particularly to vacuum powered lifting systems for moving a movablecomponent such as an aircraft stowage bin or container.

Pivoting aircraft overhead stowage bins or containers typically rely onforce provided by an operator, such as a passenger or flight attendant,for example, to close and secure the stowage container, and typicallyhave no operator assist. Springs or other simple mechanisms designed toassist in moving stowage containers or devices generally force users topull downward on the container or device for loading when it is empty oronly lightly loaded, and to push upward on the container or device whenit is fully loaded.

Power-assisted stowage bin systems have been used as an attempt to solvethis problem. For example, a powered stowage bin system is known thatincludes a powered stowage bin lift system, which unlatches the stowagebin and provides a powered lifting force controlled by a cabinmanagement system. Furthermore, powered systems have been used as analternative to manual force in other aircraft-related applications suchas opening and closing lavatory doors and crew rests and compactingtrash. For example, a trash management system is known that includes apiston adapted to compact trash within a trash vessel, and a passagewayconnected to a vacuum trash disposal, where power for the pistoncrushing force is provided by a vacuum source.

However, typically such systems use an electric motor, which can bedisadvantageous. For example, in the case of electrical failure orreduced electrical power, a passenger or flight attendant may be trappedin a lavatory or injured by a lowered stowage bin, causing safetyconcerns. Furthermore, constant use of electricity to provide power toevery motorized feature in an aircraft, from lowering stowage bins andopening lavatory doors to deploying video monitors and compacting trash,added on top of cabin pressure monitoring and other control systems, canbe expensive for an aircraft to maintain. Therefore, it is desirable toprovide a lift assist mechanism that is safe to provide and inexpensiveto maintain, having a minimum draw of electrical power. It is furtherdesirable to provide a lift assist mechanism to provide power foropening and closing stowage containers and aircraft galley and closetoverhead bins, to provide power when there is risk that a human could betrapped or injured, to provide power for articulation of aircraft seats,leg rests and the like, to provide power assistance in deploying anexpandable compartment such as a crew rest or lavatory, to provide powerassistance in retrieving galley carts or standard units from a rear of agalley, to provide power to compact trash, to provide power to deployoverhead video monitors, to provide power assistance to open and closedoors and other panels, such as deployable credenzas and the like, toprovide variable comfort control to mattresses and other cushions withinan aircraft cabin, to provide power assistance for variable geometryseating to assist in reconfiguring a cabin, and the like.

Hence, it would be desirable to provide a vacuum powered lift assistmechanism that can be used with aircraft overhead stowage bins or othertypes of stowage containers or devices, that can be retrofitted incombination with existing aircraft overhead stowage bins. It would alsobe desirable to provide a vacuum powered overhead closet systemutilizing vacuum actuation for a lifting mechanism, requiring a minimumdraw of electrical power. The present invention meets these and otherneeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides for avacuum powered system for moving a movable component movable in opposingfirst and second directions between first and second positions relativeto a fixed structure. The vacuum powered system can be used withaircraft overhead stowage bins or other types of stowage containers ordevices, for articulation of aircraft seats, leg rests and the like,deploying an expandable compartment such as a crew rest or lavatory,retrieving galley carts or standard units from a rear of a galley,compacting trash, deploying overhead video monitors, opening and closingdoors and other panels, variable comfort control of mattresses and othercushions, reconfiguring seating in a cabin, and the like. The vacuumpowered system utilizes a vacuum powered lifting system or lift assistmechanism that can be retrofitted in existing aircraft, and utilizesvacuum actuation for lifting, requiring a minimum draw of electricalpower.

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a vacuum powered systemthat includes a movable component, a vacuum actuator mounted to a fixedstructure, and a portion of the vacuum actuator connected to the movablecomponent. The vacuum actuator is configured to move the movablecomponent between first and second positions relative to the fixedstructure. One or more intake ports of the vacuum powered system areconfigured to be connected in fluid communication with a source ofvacuum for moving the movable component in a first direction to thefirst position, and the vacuum actuator includes one or more bleed valveports configured to vent the vacuum actuator to allow the movablecomponent to move in a second direction to the second position.

In one presently preferred aspect, the vacuum actuator includes an airbellows having a lower end attached to a top portion of the movablecomponent, and an upper end mounted to the fixed structure. In anotherpresently preferred aspect, the upper end of the air bellows isconnected in fluid communication with an air manifold configured toprovide a source of vacuum and venting to the air bellows. In anotherpresently preferred aspect, the air manifold includes one or more intakeports for providing vacuum to the air bellows to move the movablecomponent in the first direction to the first position, and one or morebleed valve ports for venting the air bellows to move the movablecomponent in the second direction to the second position.

In another presently preferred aspect, the vacuum actuator includes alinear vacuum actuator. In one presently preferred variation, the vacuumactuator includes a single acting linear vacuum actuator having a pistonand a cylinder with first and second ends. The piston is disposed in thecylinder for sliding reciprocating movement of the piston within thecylinder, and an actuator rod that is connected to the piston extendsthrough a seal at the second end of the cylinder and connects to themovable component. A vacuum connection is provided in fluidcommunication with the first end of the cylinder for providing a vacuumto the single acting linear vacuum actuator to move the movablecomponent in the first direction to the first position, and a bleedvalve is connected in fluid communication with the first end of thecylinder for venting of the single acting linear vacuum actuator toallow the movable component to move in the second direction to thesecond position.

In a presently preferred variation, the vacuum actuator includes a dualacting linear vacuum actuator having a piston and a cylinder with firstand second ends. The piston is disposed in the cylinder for slidingreciprocating movement of the piston within the cylinder, and anactuator rod connected to the piston extends through a seal at thesecond end of the cylinder and connects to the movable component. Afirst vacuum connection is provided in fluid communication with thefirst end of the cylinder for providing vacuum to the dual acting linearvacuum actuator to move the movable component in the first direction tothe first position, and a first bleed valve is provided in fluidcommunication with the first end of the cylinder to vent the dual actinglinear vacuum actuator to allow the movable component to move in thesecond direction to the second position. Moreover, a second vacuumconnection is provided in fluid communication with the second end of thecylinder for providing vacuum to the dual acting linear vacuum actuatorto move the piston and in turn the movable component in the seconddirection to the second position, and a second bleed valve is providedin fluid communication with the second end of the cylinder to vent thedual acting linear vacuum actuator to allow the movable component tomove in the first direction to the first position.

In a presently preferred aspect, the movable component comprises astowage container. In another preferred aspect, the fixed structureincludes a stationary stowage container housing that houses the vacuumactuator. In another preferred aspect, the stationary stowage containerhousing is an above ceiling closet box.

In another preferred aspect, one or more elongated tracks having firstand second ends are provided in the stationary stowage containerhousing, and one or more corresponding guide elements are provided onthe movable component. The corresponding guide elements are movablyengaged with the one or more elongated tracks between the first andsecond ends to move the movable component between the first position andthe second position. In another preferred aspect, the one or moreelongated tracks include a first set of linear tracks on opposing innerside walls of the stationary stowage container housing, and the one ormore corresponding guide elements include a second set of linear trackson opposing outer side walls of the stowage container. The second set oflinear tracks are slidably connected to the first set of linear tracksfor guiding movement of the stowage container between the first andsecond positions.

In a presently preferred aspect, the vacuum powered system is configuredto move or lift a movable component between a raised and loweredposition. In another presently preferred aspect, the vacuum poweredsystem is configured to move a stowage container between a stowed anddeployed position.

In a further presently preferred aspect, the present invention providesfor a method for moving a movable component movable in opposing firstand second directions between first and second positions relative to afixed structure. According to a presently preferred aspect, the methodincludes connecting a movable component to a vacuum actuator, applying asource of vacuum to the vacuum actuator through one or more intake portsthat are in fluid communication with the vacuum actuator to move themovable component in a first direction to a first position, and ventingthe vacuum actuator through one or more bleed ports that are in fluidcommunication with the vacuum actuator to move the movable component ina second direction to a second position. In another presently preferredaspect, the method further includes latching the movable component inthe first position after applying the source of vacuum to the vacuumactuator, and latching the movable component in the second positionafter venting the vacuum actuator.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate by way of example the features of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of above ceiling closet boxes housingstowage containers in a full service aircraft galley, illustrating avacuum powered lifting system according to the invention, where two ofthe stowage containers are in a raised or stowed position inside theabove ceiling closet boxes and one of the stowage containers is in alowered or deployed position, with side panels of the above ceilingcloset boxes removed for clarity.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the above ceiling closet boxes and stowagecontainers, illustrating the vacuum powered lifting system of FIG. 1,with side panels of portions of the above ceiling closet boxes removedfor clarity.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the lowered stowage container ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the above ceiling closet boxes ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the above ceiling closet boxes andstowage containers of FIG. 1, with side panels of the above ceilingcloset boxes removed for clarity.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the above ceiling closet boxes andstowage containers of FIG. 1, with side panels of upper portions of theabove ceiling closet boxes removed for clarity.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the above ceiling closet boxes andstowage containers of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a vacuum powered liftingsystem according to the invention having air bellows.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a vacuum powered lifting systemaccording to the invention having a single acting linear vacuum actuatorfor the vacuum powered lifting system of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum powered lifting systemof FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10, showing a piston that actuates astowage container (not shown) in a first direction, such as for raisingor stowing a stowage container, when vacuum is provided to the singleacting linear vacuum actuator.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10, showing the pistonreleased in a second direction, such as for lowering or deploying astowage container, when venting the single acting linear vacuumactuator.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a vacuum powered lifting systemaccording to the invention having a dual acting linear vacuum actuatorfor the vacuum powered lifting system of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum powered lifting systemof FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13, showing a piston that actuates astowage container (not shown) in a first direction, such as for raisingor stowing a stowage container, when vacuum is provided to the dualacting linear vacuum actuator and when venting the dual acting linearvacuum actuator.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 13, where the pistonactuates the stowage container (not shown) in a second direction, suchas for lowering or deploying a stowage container, when vacuum isprovided to the dual acting linear vacuum actuator and when venting thedual acting linear vacuum actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, which are provided by way of illustration andexample, and not by way of limitation, the present invention providesfor a vacuum powered system 20 for moving or lifting one or more movablecomponents, for example stowage containers 22 a, 22 b, and 22 c, betweena first position and a second position. As shown in FIGS. 1-7, thevacuum powered system provides a lifting force for moving stowagecontainers in an aircraft between a lowered or deployed position 24 foraccessing the stowage container for loading and unloading items, and araised or stowed position 26 for storing the stowage container.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, according to a presently preferred aspect,the vacuum powered system is implemented in a full service aircraftgalley 28, which typically includes a beverage center, one or more ovenand/or chiller units, one or more galley cart bays, and the like.Aircraft galley typically includes a ceiling panel 30, with storagespace 32 above the ceiling panel for an overhead stowage of a pluralityof stowage containers. In an exemplary aspect, the storage space 32includes three abreast stowage containers, including a center unit 22 bshown in a lowered or deployed position for loading or unloading itemsfrom the stowage container, and two side units 22 a and 22 c shown in araised or stowed position for storing the stowage containers. In anotherexemplary aspect, each stowage container removably receives and storesone or more standard storage units 52 in which items are loaded orunloaded.

FIG. 3 illustrates the lowered stowage container 22 b in the aircraftgalley. In an exemplary aspect, a flight attendant in the aircraftgalley uses the vacuum powered system to lower a stowage containerhaving one or more standard storage units into a deployed position. Theflight attendant then proceeds to load or unload items into the standardstorage units. When the flight attendant is finished loading orunloading items into the stowage container, the flight attendant usesthe vacuum powered system to lift the stowage container back into astowed position above the ceiling panel.

FIGS. 4-7 show that the movable components or stowage containers arecontained in, and move relative to, a fixed structure 54. As can be seenin FIGS. 5 and 6, according to one aspect, the fixed structure is astationary stowage container housing or above ceiling closet box whichhouses the stowage container. Each movable component is connected to avacuum actuator 34, which in turn, is mounted to the fixed structure asshown in FIG. 6. With respect to FIG. 7, each stowage container housingincludes one or more intake ports 48 configured to connect in fluidcommunication with a source of vacuum for raising the stowage container,and one or more bleed valve ports 50 configured to vent the vacuumactuator for lowering the stowage container.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a presently preferred aspect, the vacuumactuator 34 includes an air bellows 36 having a lower end 38 and anupper end 40. The lower end of the air bellows is typically attached toa top portion 42 of the movable component or stowage container 44, andthe upper end of the air bellows is typically attached to the fixedstructure. In a preferred aspect, the fixed structure includes an airmanifold 46 that is connected in fluid communication with the upper endof the air bellows and that provides a source of vacuum or venting tothe air bellows. In an exemplary aspect, as shown in FIG. 7, the airmanifold typically includes one or more intake ports 48 for providingvacuum to the air bellows to raise the stowage container, and one ormore bleed valve ports 50 for venting the air bellows to lower thestowage container. In another aspect, the fixed structure of the vacuumpowered system includes a stationary stowage container structure orhousing such as an above ceiling closet box 54 that houses the vacuumactuator.

When vacuum is provided to the air bellows through the one or moreintake ports of the air manifold, for example by a vacuum pump or othervacuum device, the vacuum creates a pulling force that causes the airbellows to compress and, in turn, raise the stowage container relativeto the stationary stowage container housing until the stowage containerreaches a raised or stowed position. When vacuum is no longer applied,pressure is vented through the one or more bleed valves of the airmanifold, causing the air bellows to expand and, in turn, lower thestowage container relative to the stationary stowage container housinguntil the stowage container reaches a lowered or deployed position.

In another presently preferred aspect, the stationary stowage containerhousing includes one or more elongated tracks, namely a first set oflinear tracks 56, on opposing inner side walls 58 of the stationarystowage container housing or above ceiling closet box, and correspondingguide elements, namely a second set of linear tracks or guides 60, onopposing outer side walls 62 of the stowage container. In one aspect,the one or more corresponding guide elements on the movable component orstowage container are movably engaged with the one or more elongatedtracks in the stationary stowage container housing such that the stowagecontainer can move between the raised position and lowered position. Ina preferred aspect, the second set of linear tracks are slidablyconnected to the first set of linear tracks in the stationary stowagecontainer housing or above ceiling closet box to provide a guidingsystem for sliding movement of the one or more stowage containersbetween the lowered or deployed position and the raised or stowedposition. In a preferred aspect, the vacuum powered system includeslatching systems, for example one or more latches, for releasablylatching the stowage container in the lowered or deployed position andin the raised or stowed position.

Referring to FIGS. 9-14, in a presently preferred aspect, the vacuumpowered system of the present invention, such as for overhead stowage,includes a single acting linear vacuum actuator or dual acting linearvacuum actuator that functions similarly to a pneumatic actuator, but isactuated by negative pressure, or vacuum, instead of positive pressure.

As shown in FIGS. 9-11, a single acting linear vacuum actuator 70includes a piston 72 with multiple seals that is housed or disposed forsliding reciprocating movement within a cylinder 74 having a first end76 and a second end 78. The single acting linear vacuum actuator 70utilizes vacuum provided through a vacuum hookup or vacuum connection 80at the first end of the cylinder to provide a lifting force or pullingforce for movement of the piston in a first direction 82. An actuatorrod 84 is connected to the piston, extends through a seal 86 at thesecond end of the cylinder, and is connected to an object that is to belifted or moved, such as a movable component or stowage container.

When vacuum is provided to the single acting linear vacuum actuatorthrough the vacuum connection, the piston moves and pulls the movablecomponent in the first direction relative to the cylinder until themovable component reaches the raised or stowed position as describedpreviously. A bleed valve 88 is also provided at the first end of thecylinder to allow for controlled venting of the single acting linearvacuum actuator, thereby allowing the actuator rod, and in turn, themovable component, to move in an opposing direction 90 relative to thecylinder into the lowered or deployed position as described previously.In an aspect, the vacuum powered system includes a latching system forreleasably latching the stowage container in the lowered or deployedposition and the raised or stowed position.

In a presently preferred variation, the linear vacuum actuator includesa piston housed for reciprocating movement in a cylinder and is dualacting, that is, utilizing vacuum to alternatingly provide a liftingforce or pulling force in opposing directions. Referring to FIGS. 12-14,a dual acting linear vacuum actuator 170 includes a piston 172 withmultiple seals that is housed for sliding reciprocating movement withina cylinder 174 having a first end 176 and a second end 178. The dualacting linear vacuum actuator 170 utilizes vacuum provided through afirst vacuum connection 180 at the first end of the cylinder to providea lifting force or pulling force for movement of the piston in a firstdirection 182. An actuator rod 184 is connected to the piston, extendsthrough a seal 186 at the second end of the cylinder, and is connectedto an object to be lifted or moved, such as a movable component orstowage container.

When vacuum is provided to the dual acting linear vacuum actuatorthrough the first vacuum connection, the piston moves and pulls themovable component in the first direction relative to the cylinder untilthe movable component reaches the raised or stowed position as describedpreviously. A first bleed valve 188 is provided at the first end of thecylinder to allow for controlled venting of the dual acting linearvacuum actuator, thereby allowing the actuator rod, and in turn, themovable component, to move in an opposing second direction 192 relativeto the cylinder into the lowered or deployed position as describedpreviously.

However, unlike the single acting linear vacuum actuator, the dualacting linear vacuum actuator further includes a second vacuumconnection 190 and a second bleed valve 194 advantageously provided atthe second end 178 of the cylinder. The dual acting linear vacuumactuator utilizes vacuum provided through the second vacuum connection190 at the second end of the cylinder to provide a lifting or pullingforce for movement of the piston, and in turn, the movable component, inthe second direction 192 relative to the cylinder until it reaches thelowered or deployed position. A second bleed valve 194 is also providedat the second end of the cylinder to allow for controlled venting of thedual acting linear vacuum actuator, thereby allowing the piston and, inturn, the movable component, to move back in the first direction 182relative to the cylinder until it reaches the raised or stowed position.In an aspect, the vacuum powered system includes latching systems forreleasably latching the stowage container in the lowered or deployedposition and the raised or stowed position.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms ofthe invention have been illustrated and described, various modificationscan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention belimited, except as by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A vacuum powered system for moving a movable componentmovable in opposing first and second directions between first and secondpositions relative to a fixed structure, comprising: a movablecomponent; a vacuum actuator having a first end and a second end, thefirst end mounted to the fixed structure, and the second end connectedto the movable component, the vacuum actuator configured to move themovable component between a first position and a second positionrelative to the fixed structure, the vacuum actuator including one ormore intake ports configured to connect in fluid communication with asource of vacuum for moving the movable component in a first directionto the first position, and the vacuum actuator including one or morebleed valve ports configured to vent the vacuum actuator to allow themovable component to move in a second direction to the second position.2. The vacuum powered system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum actuatorcomprises an air bellows having a lower end and an upper end, whereinthe lower end of the air bellows is attached to a top portion of themovable component, and wherein the upper end of the air bellows ismounted to the fixed structure.
 3. The vacuum powered system of claim 2,wherein the fixed structure includes an air manifold that is connectedin fluid communication with the upper end of the air bellows, the airmanifold configured to provide a source of vacuum and venting to the airbellows.
 4. The vacuum powered system of claim 3, wherein the airmanifold comprises: one or more intake ports for providing vacuum to theair bellows to move the movable component in the first direction to thefirst position; and one or more bleed valve ports for venting the airbellows to move the movable component in the second direction to thesecond position.
 5. The vacuum powered system of claim 1, wherein thevacuum actuator comprises a single acting linear vacuum actuatorcomprising: a cylinder having a first cylinder end and a second cylinderend, the second cylinder end having a seal; a piston disposed in thecylinder for sliding reciprocating movement of the piston within thecylinder; an actuator rod connected to the piston, wherein the actuatorrod extends through the seal at the second cylinder end and connectswith the movable component; a vacuum connection connected to the firstcylinder end for providing vacuum to the single acting linear vacuumactuator to move the movable component in the first direction to thefirst position; and a bleed valve connected to the first cylinder endfor venting the single acting linear vacuum actuator to allow themovable component to move in the second direction to the secondposition.
 6. The vacuum powered system of claim 1, wherein the vacuumactuator comprises a dual acting linear vacuum actuator comprising: acylinder having a first cylinder end and a second cylinder end, thesecond cylinder end having a seal; a piston disposed in the cylinder forsliding reciprocating movement of the piston within the cylinder; anactuator rod connected to the piston, wherein the actuator rod extendsthrough the seal at the second cylinder end and connects with themovable component; a first vacuum connection connected to the firstcylinder end for providing vacuum to the dual acting linear vacuumactuator to move the movable component in the first direction to thefirst position; a second vacuum connection connected to the secondcylinder end for providing vacuum to the dual acting linear vacuumactuator to move the movable component in the second direction to thesecond position; a first bleed valve connected to the first cylinder endfor venting the dual acting linear vacuum actuator to allow the movablecomponent to move in the second direction to the second position; and asecond bleed valve connected to the second cylinder end for venting thedual acting linear vacuum actuator to allow the movable component tomove in the first direction to the first position.
 7. The vacuum poweredsystem of claim 1, wherein the movable component comprises a stowagecontainer.
 8. The vacuum powered system of claim 7, wherein the fixedstructure comprises a stationary stowage container housing that housesthe vacuum actuator.
 9. The vacuum powered system of claim 8, whereinthe stationary stowage container housing comprises an above ceilingcloset box.
 10. The vacuum powered system of claim 8, furthercomprising: one or more elongated tracks in the stationary stowagecontainer housing; and one or more corresponding guide elements on themovable component, the corresponding guide elements movably engaged withthe one or more elongated tracks for moving the movable componentbetween the first position and the second position.
 11. The vacuumpowered system of claim 10, wherein the one or more elongated trackscomprise a first set of linear tracks that are positioned on opposinginner side walls of the stationary stowage container housing, whereinthe one or more corresponding guide elements comprise a second set oflinear tracks that are positioned on opposing outer side walls of thestowage container, and wherein the second set of linear tracks areslidably connected to the first set of linear tracks for guidingmovement of the stowage container between the first position and thesecond position.
 12. The vacuum powered system of claim 1, wherein thefirst position is a stowed position whereby the movable component isstowed, and wherein the second position is a deployed position wherebythe movable component is deployed.
 13. A method for moving a movablecomponent movable in opposing first and second directions between firstand second positions relative to a fixed structure, comprising the stepsof: connecting a movable component to a vacuum actuator; applying asource of vacuum to the vacuum actuator through one or more intake portsthat are in fluid communication with the vacuum actuator to move themovable component in a first direction to a first position; and ventingthe vacuum actuator through one or more bleed valve ports that are influid communication with the vacuum actuator to move the movablecomponent in a second direction to a second position, the seconddirection opposite the first direction.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising: latching the movable component in the first positionafter applying the source of vacuum to the vacuum actuator; and latchingthe movable component in the second position after venting the vacuumactuator.
 15. A vacuum powered lifting system for providing lift to amovable component relative to a fixed structure, comprising: a movablecomponent; a vacuum actuator having a first end and a second end, thefirst end mounted to the fixed structure, and the second end connectedto the movable component, the vacuum actuator configured to move themovable component between a raised position and a lowered positionrelative to the fixed structure, the vacuum actuator including one ormore intake ports configured to connect in fluid communication with asource of vacuum for moving the movable component in a first directionto the raised position, and the vacuum actuator including one or morebleed valve ports configured to vent the vacuum actuator to allow themovable component to move in a second direction to the lowered position.16. The vacuum powered lifting system of claim 15, wherein the vacuumactuator comprises an air bellows having a lower end and an upper end,wherein the lower end of the air bellows is attached to a top portion ofthe movable component, and wherein the upper end of the air bellows ismounted to the fixed structure; wherein the fixed structure includes anair manifold that is connected in fluid communication with the upper endof the air bellows, the air manifold configured to provide a source ofvacuum and venting to the air bellows; and wherein the air manifoldcomprises one or more intake ports for providing vacuum to the airbellows to move the movable component in the first direction to theraised position; and one or more bleed valve ports for venting the airbellows to move the movable component in the second direction to thelowered position.
 17. The vacuum powered lifting system of claim 15,wherein the vacuum actuator comprises a single acting linear vacuumactuator comprising: a cylinder having a first cylinder end and a secondcylinder end, the second cylinder end having a seal; a piston disposedin the cylinder for sliding reciprocating movement of the piston withinthe cylinder; an actuator rod connected to the piston, wherein theactuator rod extends through the seal at the second cylinder end andconnects with the movable component; a vacuum connection connected tothe first cylinder end for providing vacuum to the single acting linearvacuum actuator to move the movable component in the first direction tothe raised position; and a bleed valve connected to the first cylinderend for venting the single acting linear vacuum actuator to allow themovable component to move in the second direction to the loweredposition.
 18. The vacuum powered lifting system of claim 15, wherein thevacuum actuator comprises a dual acting linear vacuum actuatorcomprising: a cylinder having a first cylinder end and a second cylinderend, the second cylinder end having a seal; a piston disposed in thecylinder for sliding reciprocating movement of the piston within thecylinder; an actuator rod connected to the piston, wherein the actuatorrod extends through the seal at the second cylinder end and connectswith the movable component; a first vacuum connection connected to thefirst cylinder end for providing vacuum to the dual acting linear vacuumactuator to move the movable component in the first direction to theraised position; a second vacuum connection connected to the secondcylinder end for providing vacuum to the dual acting linear vacuumactuator to move the movable component in the second direction to thelowered position; a first bleed valve connected to the first cylinderend for venting the dual acting linear vacuum actuator to allow themovable component to move in the second direction to the loweredposition; and a second bleed valve connected to the second cylinder endfor venting the dual acting linear vacuum actuator to allow the movablecomponent to move in the first direction to the raised position.
 19. Thevacuum powered lifting system of claim 15, further comprising: one ormore elongated tracks in the fixed structure; one or more correspondingguide elements on the movable component, the corresponding guideelements movably engaged with the one or more elongated tracks formoving the movable component between the raised position and the loweredposition; and wherein the one or more elongated tracks comprise a firstset of linear tracks that are positioned on opposing inner side walls ofthe fixed structure, wherein the one or more corresponding guideelements comprise a second set of linear tracks that are positioned onopposing outer side walls of the movable component, and wherein thesecond set of linear tracks are slidably connected to the first set oflinear tracks for guiding movement of the movable component between theraised position and the lowered position.
 20. The vacuum powered liftingsystem of claim 15, wherein the movable component comprises a stowagecontainer, wherein the fixed structure comprises a stationary stowagecontainer housing that houses the vacuum actuator, and wherein thestationary stowage container housing comprises an above ceiling closetbox.